Package For Dispensing A Personal Care Product

ABSTRACT

A package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user&#39;s hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; at least one dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal line does not intersection said at least one orifice.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/247,388, filed Sep. 30, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid personal care products are available in a wide variety of packages, including bottles, jars, tubes, and cans. Liquid personal care products meant for application to the skin are traditionally dispensed from a container onto users' hands and then applied to the skin by hand. Examples of such products include lotion, facial cleanser, and shaving cream. This application method however can be messy, and that portion of the product that does not get transferred from users' fingers is wasted.

Few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators or lathering aids. While patents relating to brush attachments for shaving cream in traditional aerosol cans do exist, there are no well-known lathering aids for shaving cream currently available for consumer purchase. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,992 (Kavoussi) (the “'992 Patent”) is an example of a conventional aerosol shaving cream container with a shaving brush attachment. The '992 Patent container is cylindrical and the shaving brush attachment has a cylindrical fan shape that is rounded at the top. Other brushes and/or packages have also been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,003,523, 4,603,992, and 4,252,455; GB Patent Publ. Nos. 2318725, 2322797; DE Publ. Nos. 10306983 A1, 19811552 A1. Despite these and other attempts, there remains a need for a new package for dispensing a personal care product which provides suitable product dispersal into and/or onto the brush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides for a package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; at least one dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal axis does not intersect said at least one orifice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top portion of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line I-I.

FIG. 4 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line II-II.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, taken along the line III-III.

FIG. 9 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, taken along the line IV-IV.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional, perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, taken along the line V-V.

FIG. 13 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 14 a-f are examples of cross-sectional shapes the package may comprise.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of one dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of another dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of yet another dispersing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative and preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the scope of the claims is not limited to the specific ingredients, methods, conditions, devices, or parameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent basis “about,” it will be understood that the particular values form another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition, and all measurements made are at 25° C., unless otherwise designated.

The packages of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the features of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

The term “latherable” as used herein refers to a liquid personal care product that is able to form a foam or froth when agitated or spread onto the skin. The liquid personal care product may lather by entrapping air, by comprising a surfactant-type substance, or by another means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Water addition may or may not be necessary to obtain a foam or froth, but it may enhance benefits or results depending on the type of product used. Agitation or spreading may be by hand, but is preferably by applicator. Agitation or spreading may be rapid or slow, and may comprise irregular and regular movements.

The term “lathering” as used herein refers to the act of agitating or spreading onto the skin a liquid personal care product to produce a foam or froth. For instance, a product may be dispensed as a gel and then lathered into a foam. If a product is already in the form of a foam or froth when dispensed from its package, lathering may comprise spreading product onto the skin to cover an area of skin.

The following exemplary packages further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

It has importantly been found that the specific dispensing conduit of the present invention provides for enhanced dispersal of composition out of the package and into or onto the applicator, which in one embodiment is a brush. It is believed that by providing a dispersing conduit having at least one orifice at the distal end of the dispensing conduit, the dispersal of the composition can be controlled such that a proper amount of the composition can be dispensed at the proper position on the applicator. In one embodiment, said at least one orifice is positioned to direct the composition to release the majority of the composition radially towards the left and right sides of the package, such as where the package has a oval shaped applicator where the front to back distance is shorter than the side to side distance of the applicator. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this allows more of the composition to be dispersed onto the larger areas of the applicator allowing more contact between the composition and applicator. This is believed to allow for increased coverage of composition across the planar area of the applicator which will be in contact with skin. It is believed that earlier dispersing conduits where the passage of composition flowed directly out of the conduit in a direction away from the package resulted in insufficient amounts of composition being dispensed into the applicator bristles. Instead, many of these earlier attempts would result in large volumes of composition forming at the top and center of the applicator which can easily fall off or get washed away before forming a sufficient lather throughout the applicator. As such, it is believed that the present invention allows for targeted dispersal of composition into discrete areas of the applicator where more of the composition can be used to form through more of the applicator resulting in a better and fuller lathering experience.

Exemplary figures depicting one or more embodiments of the dispersing conduit of the present invention are provided in FIGS. 15-17. The details of these embodiments will be discussed in detail below.

A package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; a dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal axis does not intersect said at least one orifice. The central longitudinal axis is a line drawn through the center of the dispensing conduit which is parallel to the conduit. Said at least one orifice is not

In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one orifice comprises a first orifice and a second orifice, wherein said first orifice is positioned opposite said second orifice. In one embodiment, the first orifice is positioned to face the left or right side of the applicator brush body, and the second orifice faces the opposite side. This is particularly useful where the applicator does not have a circular cross sectional shape and where the shape of the applicator is an oval or rectangle such as generally described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/415,386 (See the brush of FIG. 11). In another embodiment, the distal end forms four or more orifices, including a frontal facing orifice, a rear facing orifice, a right side facing orifice, and a left side facing orifice. In one embodiment, the average cross section of the frontal facing orifice and the rear facing orifice is less than the cross sectional area of the right side facing orifice and the left side facing orifice. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this configuration of orifices allows for improved dispersal of composition to targeted sections of the applicator brush.

In one embodiment, where the cross sectional shape of the applicator (when viewed from a top down plane view) is non-symmetrical or non-circular (such as for the applicators disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/415,386), it may be preferable to provide more or larger orifices pointing towards the larger areas of the applicator. For example, where the applicator has a cross sectional shape of a triangle with sharp or curve edges it may be preferable to include three orifices, each one located to direct composition towards a tip of the triangle. Where the applicator has a cross sectional area of an oval, the dispensing conduit can have at least 2 orifices located to direct composition towards the larger lobes of the oval (whether the lobs are the front and back, or sides of the device). It should be understood to one of skill in the art that by locating the orifices, or relatively more or larger orifices towards the larger sections of the applicator will allow for increased contact between composition and applicator, intended to allow for a better lathering experience during use and less likelihood of any dispensed composition merely sitting a top the applicator and accidentally falling off or being rubbed off prior to forming sufficient lather.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one orifice has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circular, oval, or elliptical shape, a square or rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a star shape. Other symmetric and/or geometric shapes can also be included such as pentagons, hexagons, rounded squares or rectangles, semicircles, half circles and so forth. Additionally, other shapes such as moons, tear drops, wavy bars or arches can be used as desired.

In one embodiment, said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional area of from about 0.015 inches² to about 0.03 inches², alternatively from about 0.018 inches² to about 0.02 inches², alternatively about 0.018 inches². In another embodiment, said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional diameter of from about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches, alternatively at least about 0.15 inches. The largest cross sectional diameter is measured as the largest distance between any two points of the orifice.

In one embodiment, the dispensing conduit comprises a smallest cross sectional area which is perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis, and wherein said smallest cross sectional area is greater than the cross sectional area of said at least one orifice.

In another embodiment, the distance between the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base and the applicator base forms a second height, wherein said second height is less than the first height. In one embodiment, the second height is about half the first height. In yet another embodiment, the second height is from about 0.3 inches to about 0.5 inches shorter than the first height alternatively the second height is from about 0.4 inches shorter than the first height.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit, alternatively the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.1 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit.

In another embodiment, the device comprises two or more dispensing conduits. The dispensing conduits can be placed to allow dispensing of composition to target areas of the applicator to enhance the dispersal of composition for a better lathering. In one embodiment, two dispensing conduits are provided. The dispensing conduits can be identical or non-identical (such as where the orifice placement, size, or number can vary). The dispensing conduits can be parallel or non-parallel to one another. Where they are non-parallel, they can extend away from the applicator base forming an angle of up to about 30 degrees, or up to about 15 degrees. In one embodiment, the two or more dispensing conduits are not the same height.

A first exemplary package 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 illustrates the top portion of package 100, comprising a body 102, and an applicator 124. Body 102 is able to be grasped with a user's hand; it comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 104. Cross-sectional shape 104 comprises a major dimension 106 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 108 oriented along a second axis. Body 102 may be provided in a variety of forms or shapes and may be made of various materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials include high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polypropylene (“PP”), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, and fluorinated ethylene propylene. Body 102 may be made via a number of processes known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Body 102 may be comprised of transparent, translucent, or opaque materials, or it may be comprised of a combination of materials with these properties. In a preferred embodiment, body 102 is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process. In other embodiments, body 102 may be transparent to show unique color, texture, pattern, or inclusions of a liquid personal care product; for example, moisturizing beads or white color to signify suitable for use on sensitive skin.

Many prior art packages have applicators which are attachable, but not integral to the package. Applicator 124 may be attachable or removeably attached to body 102, such as with screw-threads, a snap-fit collar, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, applicator 124 is integral with body 102, which means that the applicator is assembled with the body during manufacturing and is not intended to be removed by a consumer during the product lifetime. Applicator 124 comprises a skin-contacting portion 126 comprising a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 128. Cross-sectional shape 128 comprises a major dimension 130 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 132 oriented along a second axis. Skin-contacting portion 126 may comprise bristles, a sponge, a loofah, a shower puff, or another material or combination of materials that is capable of lathering a liquid personal care product. Skin-contacting portion 126 may be rinsed after use.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of skin-contacting portion 126 is designed to fit between a user's nose and upper lip. As such, minor dimension 132 of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, minor dimension 132 of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, major dimension 130 of skin-contacting portion 126 is less than or equal to about 1.5 inches. Major dimension 130 and minor dimension 132 may vary depending on the part of the skin skin-contacting portion 126 is meant to contact. For example, dimensions 130,132 may be larger if skin-contacting portion 126 is meant for users' legs, or smaller if skin-contacting portion 126 is meant for users' underarms or bikini area.

In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 2, major dimension 106 of body 102 substantially aligns with major dimension 130 of skin-contacting portion 126. Also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first cross-sectional shape 104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 are in vertical alignment. In other embodiments, cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 may not be in vertical alignment. For example, skin-contacting portion 126 may be offset from body 102 so that skin-contacting portion 126 is not positioned vertically above body 102, but rather extends from the side of body 102. Skin-contacting portion 126 may also extend horizontally from body 102, or from any angle in between; skin-contacting portion 126 may be fixed at a certain angle or it may be adjustable by users. Cross-sectional shapes 104,128 of body 102 and applicator 124, respectively, may take different forms. In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14 a-f, first cross-sectional shape 104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 may be oblong circles, squares, or triangles; further exemplary shapes include teardrop and pear. The shapes 104,128 may substantially match or not match. For example, in one embodiment, cross-sectional shape 104 may have an oval shape while cross-sectional shape 128 may have a teardrop shape. Cross-sectional shapes 104,128 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. FIG. 1 illustrates cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 as symmetrical, oblong circles. In further embodiments, package 100 may comprise more than two distinct cross-sectional shapes.

Referring to FIG. 3, body 102 has an outlet 112 that is in fluid communication with applicator 124. Body 102 comprises a flat surface 114 that package 100 rests on when it is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of body 102 may comprise a lower gasket 116, an umbrella valve 118, and a bottom or bottom plate 120. Lower gasket 116 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) and bottom plate 120 is preferably made of PP. It should be noted that these aforementioned features, as well as other features described throughout, are not limiting on the scope of the appended claims where such features are not explicitly recited.

FIG. 4 illustrates applicator 124. In one embodiment, skin-contacting portion 126 extends to a first height 134 from applicator base 136, wherein first height 134 is equal to the highest point of skin-contacting portion 126. In other embodiments, skin-contacting portion 126 may extend to various heights in various zones, so there may be more than one height of interest. In a preferred embodiment, applicator base 136 is made out of PP and comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes 140 to receive fibers 142 to form skin-contacting portion 126. Applicator base 136 comprises an orifice 144 to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion 126. To prevent dispensed product from getting stuck in the bottom half of skin-contacting portion 126 or clogging outlet 112, one or more dispensing conduits 146 help direct the product to a preferred location within skin-contacting portion 126. This makes more efficient use of the product because more product is available for lathering onto the skin rather than filling up the lower portion of skin-contacting portion 126. FIG. 4 shows dispensing conduit 146 having a proximal end 148 and a distal end 154. Proximal end 148 has an inlet 150 that is in fluid communication with outlet 112 of body 102 and a compression seal 152. In a preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensing conduit 146 extends into skin-contacting portion 126, with distal end 154 located somewhat close to a surface that contacts the skin, thereby dispensing more product closer to the skin. However, dispensing conduit 146 should not extend too far into skin-contacting portion 126 or it might too aggressively contact or scratch a user's skin when in use. As such, in one embodiment, distal end 154 extends from applicator base 136 to a second height 156 that is less than first height 134 of skin-contacting portion 126. In this configuration, distal end 154 may still contact a user's skin during use, but desirably not to the point of causing significant irritation to one's skin. Dispensing conduit 146 may be comprised of a variety of materials. For example, dispensing conduit 146 may be made of hard plastic and precautions may be taken by the manufacturer or user to prevent dispensing conduit 146 from contacting the skin and causing discomfort, scratches, or injury to the skin. However, in a preferred embodiment, dispensing conduit 146 is made of a softer material; one exemplary material is TPE.

A safety cap 158 may be provided to cover dispensing conduit 146. Safety cap 158 prevents damage or disfigurement to skin-contacting portion 126 and it may also prevent leakage of product from dispensing conduit 146. In a particular embodiment, safety cap 158 is a temporary cover and may be removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase. In a preferred embodiment, safety cap 158 is made of PP.

Package 100 optionally comprises an over cap 176 that is removeably attached to body 102 or applicator 124. Over cap 176 may comprise an outer ring 178 to compress safety cap 158 and an inner ring 180 to contain safety cap 158. In a particular embodiment, a ledge 182 on over cap 176 allows over cap 176 to snap into a notch 110 of body 102. Over cap 176 may also comprise a flat surface 184, allowing package 100 to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface 184 when not in use. In one embodiment, over cap 176 is made of PP.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a valve 186 may be disposed between body 102 and applicator 124. In a preferred embodiment, valve 186 comprises an upper gasket 188 made of TPE or rubber, and a transition piece 190, a one-way valve 192, and a valve cover 194, all three made of PP.

In one embodiment, said at least one orifice are formed in a flow-restricting member 160 associated with dispensing conduit 146. Importantly, it is the placement and direction which the orifice and/or flow-restricting member faces which allows for the targeted dispensing of composition which has been found to be important for the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 is positioned at or near distal end 154 of dispensing conduit 146. Flow-restricting member 160 acts to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering dispensing conduit 146, while also preventing product from flowing out of package unless force is consciously exerted on a displacement member to dispense the product. Dispensing of the product may then be more accurately controlled and unwanted dispensing of the product may be substantially prevented. “Flow-restricting member” 160 as used herein means any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of a liquid personal care product may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports, orifices or passageways. Flow-restricting member 160 may be manually openable or pressure activated. Flow-restricting members 160 may be any valve known in the art including but not limited to bi-directional, uni-directional, duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves.

In one particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 has at least two opposing members 162, wherein members 162 converge into a closed or substantially closed state, and diverge into an open state. Members 162 are biased to the closed state to inhibit and/or prevent water or impurities from entering and clogging dispensing conduit 146, or to inhibit contamination or dilution of the product within dispensing conduit 146 or body 102. For example, a user may rinse skin-contacting portion 126 under running water after use; the water can clog dispensing conduit 146 or dilute or contaminate the product if it gets inside body 102. Another reason members 162 are biased to the closed state is to prevent unwanted leakage of the product if package 100 is inverted while not in use. Members 162 may be forced into the open state when a volume of product is communicated from body 102 through dispensing conduit 146 in response to manual forces being applied to a displacement member. Flow-restricting member 160 returns to its closed position upon removal of the manual displacement forces which results in stopping the dispensing of the product through dispensing conduit 146.

In another particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 comprises a slit valve 164. “Slit valve” 164 as used herein means a valve whose members are formed from incision(s) that have a closed and open position as described above. Preferably, slit valve 164 is made of a relatively flexible material, such as silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, urethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, slit valve 164 is made of silicone. The stiffness of slit valve 164 in one embodiment is sufficient to prevent the slit from opening under the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid personal care product when package 100 is placed in an inverted position.

Body 102 may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively, body 102 may comprise a flexible bag 122 to contain a liquid personal care product; flexible bag 122 fits within body 102 and acts as a bladder. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag 122 attaches to transition piece 190. Flexible bag 122 may be made out of HDPE, LDPE, mylar film, or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Package 100 comprises a means to dispense a product contained within package 100. In one embodiment, body 102 is flexible and resilient, and it is inwardly deformable along its minor dimension 108 in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within body 102 to skin-contacting portion 126.

In other embodiments, package 100 comprises a displacement member 166 that urges the product out of body 102 and onto skin-contacting portion 126. Displacement member 166 may be located away from skin-contacting portion 126 to allow product to be manually dispensed by the user while skin-contacting portion 126 is in contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, such as in FIG. 2, displacement member 166 comprises at least a portion, or sidewall, of body 102; wherein the sidewall (not shown) of body 102 is flexible, resilient, and deformable along its minor dimension 108. In one embodiment, two sidewalls are located along either side of body 102 along major dimension 106. In another embodiment, displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that is vertically moveable upward from bottom 120 of body 102. In one embodiment, the piston or similar member may extend partially within body 102 to dispense a liquid personal care product. A further example of displacement member 166 is a trigger, as shown in FIGS. 6-12 and discussed more fully below.

A second exemplary package 200 is shown in FIGS. 6 to 13. Package 200 has many of the same features as package 100; most features are numbered consistently between the two, with a difference in the hundreds numeral, for example, body 102 of package 100 vs. body 202 of package 200. The descriptions, dimensions, and variations of the features of package 100 may be applied to the corresponding features of package 200 discussed below, unless otherwise noted. In a preferred embodiment, body 202 is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via an extrusion blow molding process.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict package 200 comprising a body 202 and an applicator 224. Body 202 of package 200 comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 204. First cross-sectional shape 204 comprises a major dimension 206 oriented along a first axis, and a minor dimension 208 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Applicator 224 comprises a skin-contacting portion 226, wherein skin-contacting portion 226 comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape 228. Second cross-sectional shape 228 comprises a major dimension 230 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 232 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In a preferred embodiment, major dimension 206 of body 202 substantially aligns with minor dimension 230 of skin-contacting portion 226, and first cross-sectional shape 204 and second cross-sectional shape 228 are in vertical alignment. Also in a preferred embodiment, package 200 has first cross-sectional 204 and second cross-sectional 228 shapes that are symmetrical, oblong circles. Body 202 comprises a flat surface 220. In a preferred embodiment, body 202 comprises an upper body 210 and a lower body 216.

FIG. 9 illustrates body 202 having an outlet 214 that is in fluid communication with applicator 224. Upper body 210 comprises a notch 212, where an optional over-cap 276 snaps on. Lower body 216 comprises a body cavity 218, wherein a flexible bag 222 fillable with a liquid personal care product fits within body cavity 218. FIG. 9 also illustrates a dispensing conduit 246, a flow-restricting member 260, a displacement member 266, and optional valve 286 of package 200.

As seen in FIG. 10, skin-contacting portion 226 of applicator 224 extends to a first height 234 from an applicator base 236. In a preferred embodiment, applicator base 236 comprises a plurality of fiber receiving holes 240 that receive fibers 242 to form skin-contacting portion 226. Applicator base 236 comprises an orifice 244 to enable dispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion 226.

FIG. 11 illustrates dispensing conduit 246, and its proximal end 248 and distal end 254. Proximal end 248 has an inlet 250 and a compression seal 252. Distal end 254 has a second height 256. A safety cap 258 may be provided to cover dispensing conduit 246 and prevent leakage. Flow-restricting member 260 is associated with dispensing conduit 246. In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member 260 comprises opposing members 262. In other embodiments, flow-restricting member 260 comprises a valve, such as a slit valve 264.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, a valve 286 may be disposed between body 202 and applicator 224. In a preferred embodiment, best seen in FIG. 10, valve 286 may comprise a stationary piston 288, a compression spring 290, a collar 292, a ball 296, and a one-way valve 298. In one embodiment, stationary piston 288 and collar 292 are made of PP, while compression spring 290 and ball 296 are made of stainless steel.

FIGS. 8-12 depict displacement member 266 which is associated with body 202. Displacement member 266 is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from within flexible bag 222 to skin-contacting portion 226. In a preferred embodiment, displacement member 266 is a trigger 268 that is depressible along body's 202 major dimension 206. In one embodiment, a rib 272 from upper body 210 locks trigger 268 in place. In FIG. 11, a trigger holder 274 extends off applicator base 236 to hold trigger 268 in place; trigger 268 has two arms which hug the collar 292. Two L ribs 270 and the tail of trigger 268 are visible in body cavity 218, as seen in FIG. 12. L ribs 270 are optional; their purpose is to prevent trigger 268 from damaging or pinching flexible bag 222. In operation, trigger 268 displaces a moving cylinder 294 which in turn displaces a volume of the product from flexible bag 222 to skin-contacting portion 226. In a particular embodiment, trigger 268, L ribs 270, rib 272, trigger holder 274, and moving cylinder 294 are made of PP.

FIGS. 9 and 13 best show an optional over cap 276 that is removeably attached over applicator 224. Over cap 276 comprises an outer ring 278 to compress safety cap 258 and an inner ring 280 to contain safety cap 258. A ledge 282 on over cap 276, visible in FIG. 9, allows over cap 276 to snap into notch 212 of body 202. Over cap 276 may also comprise a flat surface 284, allowing package 200 to be inverted, thus resting on flat surface 284 when not in use.

In an exemplary method of use, after obtaining package 100,200, a user may remove optional over cap 176,276 and safety cap 158,258. If preferred, the user may wet skin-contacting portion 126,226. The user may then hold skin-contacting portion 126,226 against the desired skin surface and deform body 102,202 or move displacement member 186,266 inwardly. In response, an amount of product is forced out of package 100,200 via dispensing conduit 146,246 to skin-contacting portion 126,226. As the user moves skin-contacting portion 126,226 around on the skin surface, the product dispensed is lathered by skin-contacting portion 126,226.

FIG. 15 shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing conduit 446 has a distal end 460. The distal end is shown in an exploded view, having four orifices 472. In one embodiment, only two orifices are included wherein the orifices are positioned opposite one another. The distal end shown in FIG. 15 includes four orifice, positioned 90 degrees apart. Orifice 472 has a generally square shape with a rounded top. Other shapes can also be used. In this embodiment, the wall 447 forming the dispensing conduit 446 forms the four orifices.

FIG. 16 shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the distal end 460 includes a cap which is separate from the wall 447 forming the dispensing conduit 446. Four orifices 472 are shown in this embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows one example of a dispensing conduit in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the orifice 472 is a gap formed around the periphery of the distal end 460. The orifice is formed from a flexible valve having an anchor 461 which is retained by retaining members 463.

In an example where the product is a shave prep composition, the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion 126,226, then use a razor to shave the prepared area. In an example where the product is a facial or body cleanser, skin-contacting portion 126,226 may be used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin while creating a lather. In particular embodiments, when the first axes of body 102,202 and skin-contacting portion 126,226 are in alignment, the user may more easily determine the orientation of skin-contacting portion 126,226 because body 102,202 visually intimates the positioning of skin-contacting portion 126,226. This may be important, for example, if a user is trying to lather the area between the nose and upper lip.

It is contemplated that the package 100,200 of the present invention may include alternate mechanisms for dispensing the personal care compositions of the present invention. These include electronic pumps, manual pumps, screw-containing mechanisms, aerosols, pressurized gasses, trigger pumps, and the like. One of ordinary skill would readily be able to integrate the mechanism for dispensing the personal care composition into the present invention.

Packages 100,200 of the present invention may contain a wide variety of liquid personal care products, preferably those that are latherable by skin-contacting portion 126,226. Exemplary product forms include gels, creams, foaming and non-foaming liquids, mechanically pumpable liquids, non-aerosol gels, aerosol gels, aerosol foams, pastes, serums, and sprays. Examples of suitable products to be contained in body 102,202 or flexible bag 122,222 include body wash, body lotion, facial cleanser, facial lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shave gel or cream, self tanner, nail polish, nail polish remover, and other personal care products. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid personal care product is a shave prep composition. The following six examples of shave prep products are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed to limit scope of the present invention as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ingredient Base Base Base Base Base Base Water QS QS QS QS QS QS Palmitic Acid 7.75 6.0 0 0 6.0 0 Triethanolamine 6.05 4.7 8.76 8.76 4.7 8.76 Stearic Acid 2.6 2.0 0 0 2 0 Myristic Acid 0 0 14.0 14.0 0 14.0 Mineral Oil kaydol 0 0 0 0 1.5 0 Glyceryl Oleate 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 1.5 Sorbitol (70% solution) 1.0 1.0 0 0 0.5 0 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.5 0.3 0.75 0.75 0.3 0.75 Polyox WSR-301 (PEG-90M) 0.06 0.06 0 0 0.06 0 Polyox WSR-N-12K (PEG-23M) 0.05 0.05 0 0 0.05 0 Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate (30%) 1.0 0 6.67 6.67 0 6.67 Polymer LR30M cationic 0.1 0.2 0.45 0.45 0.2 0.45 Fragrance 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 PVP K60 (45% solution) 0 0 0.49 0.49 0 0.49 Glycerin 0.5 1.5 8.5 8.5 0.5 8.5 Colorant 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 Parts of Base Mixed w/Lathering 97.15 97.15 96 97.15 97.15 100 Agent Volatile Lathering Agent 2.85 2.85 4.0 2.85 2.85 0 The above examples can be made as follows: Mix the water with glycerin and then add to this mixture a pre-blend of the LR30M and hydroxyethylcellulose powders. For formulas containing sodium myristoyl sacrosinate, add this component next. For formulas containing PVP K60, add this component next. Mix until homogeneous and start heating. Stop mixing, and then add the fatty acids. When the temperature reaches 75° C., add triethanolamine and mix for approximately 10 more minutes. Cool to less than 35° C., and then add the fragrance and colorant. For example 6, store in closed container until it is charged into an appropriate dispenser. For examples 1-5, combine the base composition with the lathering agent and charge the mixture into containers or packages capable of containing volatile agents.

As noted above, the applicator or skin-contacting portion thereof may comprise a number of different materials and material forms, such as, bristles, foam pads, sponges, etc. Regarding the use of bristles, material and physical properties of bristles can impact skin feel and latherability, for example. Table 1 and the following discussion illustrate this notion.

TABLE 1 (Dimensions are in inches) Bristle Bristle Bristle Skin-Contacting Skin-Contacting Material Diameter Length Major Dimension Minor Dimension Nylon 0.006 0.68 1.12 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.12 0.73 Nylon 0.006 0.7 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.54 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.65 1.19 0.66 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.19 0.66 Nylon 0.003 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.004 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.003 0.5 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.004 1.0 1.18 0.73 Silicone 0.06 0.53 0.73 0.63 Consumers perceived the nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.006 or 0.008 inches to be too stiff, and nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of 0.003 or 0.004 as being in the right range for softness. Bristles having a “mid-length” (that is those of 0.7 inches) were preferred for stiffness over those that were shorter or longer.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A package for dispensing a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand; an applicator comprising an applicator base and a skin-contacting portion extending from the applicator base to a first height; at least one dispensing conduit comprising a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the distal end extends from the applicator base, wherein said distal end comprising at least one orifice, wherein said central longitudinal axis does not intersect said at least one orifice.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice comprises a first orifice and a second orifice, wherein said first orifice is positioned opposite said second orifice.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice comprises a frontal facing orifice, a rear facing orifice, a right side facing orifice, and a left side facing orifice.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein the average cross section of the frontal facing orifice and the rear facing orifice is less than the cross sectional area of the right side facing orifice and the left side facing orifice.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circular, oval, or elliptical shape, a square or rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a star shape.
 6. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional area of from about 0.015 inches² to about 0.03 inches².
 7. The package of claim 6, wherein said largest cross sectional area is from about 0.018 inches² to about 0.02 inches².
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional diameter of from about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein said at least one orifice has a largest cross sectional diameter of about 0.15 inches.
 10. The package of claim 1, wherein the dispensing conduit comprises a smallest cross sectional area which is perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis, and wherein said smallest cross sectional area is greater than the cross sectional area of said at least one orifice.
 11. The package of claim 1, wherein the distance between the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base and the applicator base forms a second height, wherein said second height is less than the first height.
 12. The package of claim 11, wherein the second height is about half the first height.
 13. The package of claim 11, wherein the second height is from about 0.3 inches to about 0.5 inches shorter than the first height.
 14. The package of claim 13, wherein the second height is from about 0.4 inches shorter than the first height.
 15. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit.
 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the at least one orifice farthest from the applicator base is from about 0.1 inches from the top of the dispensing conduit.
 17. The package according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape, the skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape, each of the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions.
 18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package further comprises a valve disposed between the body and the applicator.
 19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the body contains a shave prep composition.
 20. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second dispensing conduit extending away from the applicator base. 